Ismene

Definition

Ismene is a character in Sophocles' play 'Antigone', known for her contrasting personality to her sister Antigone. She embodies traditional feminine qualities, showing caution and obedience to the laws of men, which highlights the themes of family loyalty and the conflict between divine and human law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ismene initially refuses to help Antigone bury their brother Polyneices, fearing the consequences of defying Creon's orders.
2. Throughout the play, Ismene serves as a foil to Antigone, representing the voice of caution and adherence to societal norms.
3. Despite her initial reluctance, Ismene later expresses a desire to share in Antigone's fate, highlighting her complex feelings about loyalty and rebellion.
4. Ismene's character reflects the limitations placed on women in ancient Greek society, emphasizing themes of gender roles and familial duty.
5. By the end of the play, Ismene’s evolution showcases her inner conflict between obedience and her love for her sister, adding depth to her character.

Review Questions

• How does Ismene's character contribute to the themes of loyalty and rebellion in 'Antigone'?
  • Ismene's character is pivotal in exploring themes of loyalty and rebellion. While she initially embodies loyalty to Creon and societal expectations by refusing to assist Antigone, her later willingness to share in Antigone's punishment signifies a complex relationship with rebellion. This duality illustrates how familial bonds can compel individuals to challenge societal norms, even if they are initially inclined toward conformity.
• Discuss the significance of Ismene’s transformation throughout the play and how it reflects on gender roles in ancient Greece.
  • Ismene's transformation is significant as it highlights the restrictive gender roles in ancient Greece. At first, she is compliant and fearful, illustrating the expected behavior of women at that time. However, her eventual desire to stand with Antigone shows growth and a challenge to those norms. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of personal agency versus societal expectations, making her character a critical lens through which to examine gender dynamics in the play.
• Evaluate the role of Ismene in relation to Antigone's actions and what this reveals about the nature of tragedy in Sophocles' work.
  • Ismene's role in relation to Antigone reveals a fundamental aspect of tragedy in Sophocles' work: the conflict between individual moral obligation and state law. Ismene's initial passivity contrasts sharply with Antigone's fierce defiance, underscoring the tragic consequences of their choices. This dynamic emphasizes how differing responses to moral dilemmas can lead to tragic outcomes, ultimately showcasing the complexities of human nature within a tragic framework.

Related terms

Antigone:

The protagonist of the play who defies King Creon to bury her brother Polyneices, representing moral duty and resistance against unjust laws.

Creon:

The king of Thebes and uncle to Antigone and Ismene, who represents state law and authority, often clashing with the values held by Antigone.

Tragic Hero: A central character in a tragedy who experiences a downfall due to a personal flaw or mistake, often invoking pity from the audience.